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Tom Waits

Born December 7th. 1949, in Pomona, California. Tom Waits first album, "Closing Time", was released in 1973. A contemporary artist, Waits is mostly known for his lyrical and poetical songwriting and raspy gravelly voice. His own inspiration is rooted in early blues and beat poetry with influences like [a=Howlin' Wolf] and [a=Jack Kerouac]. Apart from music, Waits also has a strong presence in movies. He has appeared in works by Francis Ford Coppola, the Coen Brothers, Jim Jarmusch, Terry Gilliam, and Robert Altman. Previously worked as a dishwasher at Napoleone Pizza House in San Diego, California before being promoted to pizza chef.